Partnering To Graze Cover Crops
Partnering To Graze Cover Crops and Improve Soil Health
Wednesday, Sept. 10
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location
2861 Pierce Ave.
Sanborn, IA 51248
Hosts
Aaron Alons & Andy Getting
Aaron Alons and Andy Getting have formed a mutually beneficial farming partnership. On his farm, Aaron raises grass-fed and -finished beef, selling directly to consumers. To extend his grazing season, he partners with Andy to graze cattle on 200-plus acres Andy farms. Andy, meanwhile, raises organic row crops, including corn, soybean, oats and hay – and he plants a cover crop with his oats that Aaron’s cattle will graze after oat harvest. This partnership has yielded tremendous benefits for both farmers.
Come learn how they work together to extend Aaron’s grazing season. You’ll hear how adding cattle to the row-cropped ground helped improve the soil’s health, such as boosting microbial diversity, available nutrients and organic matter. The improvements allowed for near-normal yields during a serious drought year.
Meal
Lunch will be served during the field day.
See & Discuss
- Improving soil health with grazing
- Balancing the fungus-to-bacteria ratio of soil
- Livestock integrated with row crops
- Partnerships between operations
- Organic production
Farm Info
Sponsors
- Albert Lea Seed House
- Cherokee Soil & Water Conservation District
- Iowa State University Organic Agriculture Program
- OCIA Chapter 1 of Iowa